At IMS, we believe our people are our greatest asset. In honor of our incredible team, we are thrilled to go "beyond the bio" and share the personal stories of employees across our organization.
IMS Jury Consulting Advisor Keith Pounds, PhD and Senior Jury Research Coordinator Amy Wigness play pivotal roles on our litigation consulting team, providing tailored insights to help clients succeed in increasingly complex cases. From shaping case themes to coordinating mock trials, Keith and Amy bring deep experience and exceptional quality standards to every project.
Discover how Keith's storytelling expertise and Amy's dedication to innovation enhance the trial preparation process and reflect our commitment to empowering attorneys with strategies that resonate in the courtroom.
Keith Pounds, PhD, Jury Consulting Advisor
Q: How did you get into this industry?
A: I was a college professor teaching communication at a university near New York City when an attorney contacted me and asked if I could help him with storytelling. He felt like he could talk about the facts of a case but wanted to learn how to craft his message in a way that was engaging and used narrative elements. That was one of my areas of specialty, and once I realized how important it is to present an engaging and compelling case to the jury, I made the switch to a full-time jury consultant.
Q: How did you find IMS?
A: I chose to work with several very talented jury consultants who had a high bar for quality jury research, joining Litigation Insights right at the start of the pandemic. We were acquired by IMS, and it has been a wonderful opportunity to collaborate with an even larger group of experienced consultants. I have also been delighted to work with our visual advocacy and presentation technology teams because it allows us to offer more well-rounded recommendations to our clients.
Q: What do you like most about your specific department and/or role?
A: I really enjoy working with our skilled and passionate team of jury consultants and coordinators. Everyone brings their own unique background and training to their consulting, which creates a strong, collaborative approach to every case.
Q: What internal accomplishment are you most proud of?
A: I am most proud of refining our thematic recommendations for clients, whether through written reports after mock jury research, memos following document reviews, or "themes summits" where we partner with the trial team to stress test their case and fine-tune their strategy.
Q: Are there any stories/memories you would like to share?
A: One of my favorite recent experiences was helping prepare a doctor for a retrial after the first trial ended in a hung jury. Post-trial interviews showed the jury was divided on the doctor's credibility. For the retrial, we focused on helping the doctor stay focused on his own care and actions without getting distracted by the criticisms. He explained his decisions as if speaking to a patient, which helped the jury to see him as a caring provider and resulted in a defense verdict.
Q: What do you think sets IMS apart from competitors or other companies?
A: IMS stands out because of our high bar for quality work, delivered by a team of talented consultants who have worked in the industry for many years. Our investment in state-of-the-art technology allows us to create a top-of-the-line mock trial experience that is adaptable to the particular needs of our clients and their cases.
Q: How do the IMS core values align with your own?
A: I appreciate and aim to exemplify the IMS core values in my work with clients and colleagues. “Honor the Relationship” is one of the most important to me because, at the end of the day, we all appreciate working with genuine people who give honest feedback and really listen to the people around them.
Q: If you were an attorney-client, what would you find most valuable about the process at IMS?
A: It is our ability to take a complex case and provide organized, actionable next steps to help them prepare for whatever goals they have for their litigation. Our analysis and recommendations, combined with our responsiveness and many resources that IMS can bring to bear for a litigant, make us a trusted partner for those who must go to trial.
Q: Do you have any predictions or comments on industry trends?
A: In our ever-changing and litigious society, I think we will see a continued need for talented and experienced jury consults who are in touch with the attitudes and behaviors that impact jury decision-making.
Q: What has been your favorite case to work on so far?
A: There have been quite a few notable cases that I have worked on, which are memorable for different reasons. There was a case that lasted three months, and the court was set up in the penthouse of a hotel because it needed extra space; this resulted in a great, hard-fought win for a corporate plaintiff. The lead counsel told me that the one set of papers he kept with him at all times was the recommendations we had written after mock jury research. In general, I also really enjoy helping witnesses prepare for depositions and trial testimony.
Amy Wigness, Senior Jury Research Coordinator
Q: How did you get into this industry?
A: I was interested in working in the legal field but knew that becoming an attorney or pursuing a career in law enforcement was not the right path for me. When one of my research professors suggested trial consulting, it immediately felt like the perfect fit.
Q: How did you find IMS?
A: I had been with another firm for several years when an IMS recruiter reached out to me. I was excited about the opportunity to join a larger team and explore new career paths.
Q: What do you like most about your specific department and/or role?
A: I truly appreciate the outstanding team I have the privilege of working with every day. We are constantly striving for excellence, and this group works tirelessly to achieve it. It is rewarding to see our team’s dedication and expertise make a big impact for IMS and our clients.
Q: What internal accomplishment are you most proud of?
A: I am proud to have discovered new and challenging paths that allow me to grow. It is easy to fall into the comfort of old habits, but I thrive on being part of the innovative efforts shaping the future. This includes our jury research technology, The AdvantageSM. At IMS, we are always thinking about how we can help clients get the most out of their research and build a strong strategy.
Q: What do you think sets IMS apart from competitors or other companies?
A: IMS is special because we have a large, diverse team of individuals who are always willing to go above and beyond for our clients. We share the same ultimate goal and collaborate closely to achieve it.
Q: How do the IMS core values align with your own?
A: IMS's core values truly reflect how individuals can come together to work as a team, supporting one another to best serve our clients.
Q: If you were an attorney-client, what would you find most valuable about the process at IMS?
A: I would find IMS's industry reputation truly impressive. It speaks volumes, and when clients realize the depth and experience behind the IMS team, it reinforces their trust in our ability to deliver exceptional results.
Q: What has been your favorite case to work on so far?
A: My favorite cases thus far have been those where our team, made up of people from diverse backgrounds and companies, has come together to collaborate. It is fascinating to see many best practices from different perspectives merging and creating something even greater.
Learn More
Thank you to Keith and Amy for their dedication to helping clients and colleagues find innovative solutions and achieve success. Together, we win.
Visit the links below to meet the IMS team and learn about our culture and career opportunities.
